Role of nanoparticles in targeted drug delivery systems

As the name suggests, targeted drug delivery systems are specific in nature. They enable a drug to effectively reach its target region which could range from subcellular levels of specific tissues to entire organs. Furthermore, the feature that has caused this system to gain massive popularity in the world of pharmaceuticals in comparison to the conventional drug delivery system is its ability to overcome virtually every toxic effect which stems from employing a specific drug delivery system. Consequentially, this considerably decreases drug amounts needed for therapeutic efficacy.

Now let us delve deeper into the role of nanoparticles in drug delivery systems. Before understanding the intricate inner workings of nanoparticles, one must be familiar with Paul Ehrlich's infamous concept of the 'magic bullet'. Contrary to the guns and ammunitions which might spring to your mind upon hearing this term, 'magic bullet' simply put, refers to the drug's ability to kill the parasite present inside a human host without harming the host itself. Thus, nanomedicine is just an extension of this concept. Targeted drug delivery systems usually involve a macromolecule or nanoparticle loaded with the desired drug encased in a coating that will break in response to a trigger, possibly a change in stimuli, at the target site. This method aims to concentrate the medication in the tissues of interest while reducing the concentration of the medication in the remaining, healthy tissues. Nanoparticle usage in pharmaceuticals takes targeted drug delivery systems to a whole new level as it not only enables drugs to act with advanced therapeutic action and respond to a wide array of stimuli (enzymes, pH, light, heat) but also allows controlled drug release to be put into play.

- Minnoli Pitale